The Hindu Business Line : Cruise shipping market to grow in India, says Minister

With the economy developing at a steady pace and a growing middle class, the Union Minister for Tourism, Ms Kumari Selja, said that India can also take on cruise shipping in a big way. Speaking at the announcement of the arrival of the international cruising ship, Aquamarine, Ms Selja said, “India with its vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests, undisturbed idyllic islands and a rich historical and cultural heritage, can become a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists.”

The Minister added that cruise shipping is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing components of the leisure industry worldwide. Growing at a rate of 12 per cent per annum globally, cruise shipping is still in its infancy stage in India.

Ms Selja said, “About 1000 passengers travel on a cruise vessel (medium size). When such vessels arrive at a Port, automatically there is demand for a whole lot of services. Thus a cruise call results in gainful employment to a lot of people. Cruise ships also require bunkers, provisions, bonds stores in large quantities, agency service and crew etc. All these demands can be met locally. There will also be contribution to the Indian economy from this sector.”

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